More than 104,000 women entrepreneurs in Pakistan have received Rs. 29 billion in financing under the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, highlighting growing efforts to improve women’s access to formal financial services and business funding.

According to a written reply submitted by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to the National Assembly, a total of 104,237 women entrepreneurs had received financing through the scheme as of May 31, 2026.

The figures were provided in response to a question from MNA Dr. Nafisa Shah concerning women’s financial inclusion and the challenges faced by female micro-entrepreneurs in accessing formal financing.

The financing provided through the youth loan program is aimed at helping young entrepreneurs establish, expand and manage businesses. For women, access to affordable business financing can play an important role in increasing participation in the formal economy.

The latest figures indicate that thousands of women have been able to access institutional financing through a government-backed initiative. Such access can help entrepreneurs invest in equipment, inventory, business expansion and other operational needs.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also provided an update on women’s financial inclusion in Pakistan. According to the figures presented to the National Assembly, women’s financial inclusion had reached 55 percent by December 2025.

The gender gap in bank account ownership had also narrowed to 29 percent, indicating progress in expanding access to formal banking services among women.

Financial inclusion remains an important economic issue in Pakistan, particularly for women operating small and micro businesses. Limited access to bank accounts, credit, financial information and formal lending channels can make it difficult for female entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.

Government-backed financing schemes can help address some of these barriers by providing eligible entrepreneurs with access to formal credit. The participation of more than 104,000 women in the youth loan scheme suggests that demand for such financing remains significant.

Women-owned businesses contribute to household incomes, employment and local economic activity across Pakistan. Increased access to financing can allow these businesses to move beyond small-scale operations and develop more sustainable commercial models.

The figures also highlight the importance of reducing barriers that prevent women from participating fully in the financial system. Improving access to banking services and business loans can provide women with greater opportunities to invest and build independent sources of income.

However, financial inclusion involves more than simply providing access to loans. Entrepreneurs also need financial literacy, business development support, digital banking access and reliable markets to ensure that financing can translate into sustainable business growth.

The government’s latest figures provide an indication of progress, while also highlighting the scale of the remaining challenge. With women’s financial inclusion at 55 percent, a significant portion of women still remains outside the formal financial system.

The narrowing of the gender gap in bank account ownership to 29 percent represents another positive development. Continued efforts to expand affordable banking, credit and financial services could further improve women’s participation in Pakistan’s economy.

The Rs. 29 billion in financing secured by more than 104,000 women entrepreneurs under the youth loan scheme therefore represents both a financial milestone and an indicator of increasing female participation in formal entrepreneurship.

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